Based on a true story, this is a well acted, moving and occasionally funny drama with a great cast. Eddie Marsan rarely disappoints and is typically good here - I can't attest to the quality of his German accent - but he presents Dr Guttmann as a somewhat obsessive and eccentric but highly dedicated champion of individualised medicine. Rob Brydon is good too as the acerbic Welshman who hides his fear in humour. George Mackay is perfectly cast as the young soldier on an emotional journey, struggling to cope with his new disabilities.
What stands out most, for me, is the realistic interaction of the men and women on the ward. There is plenty of banter and innuendo and the sexual politics seem relatively realistic for the time period.
I note that this was made by the BBC in 2012. My suspicions are that if this was made today the Diversity police would render it farcically ahistorical in order to be 'sensitive' - this would not only dishonour those portrayed, but given that the message of the story is that compassion sometimes involves tough decisions and not treating people like victims, such contemporary representation would make the story pointless.
What stands out most, for me, is the realistic interaction of the men and women on the ward. There is plenty of banter and innuendo and the sexual politics seem relatively realistic for the time period.
I note that this was made by the BBC in 2012. My suspicions are that if this was made today the Diversity police would render it farcically ahistorical in order to be 'sensitive' - this would not only dishonour those portrayed, but given that the message of the story is that compassion sometimes involves tough decisions and not treating people like victims, such contemporary representation would make the story pointless.